The Rev. Dr. Jill Bierwirth
Intentional Interim Minister
We are looking forward to The Rev. Dr. Jill Bierwirth to be joining us soon as our Intentional Interim Minister. A native of South Carolina, The Reverend Doctor Jill Bierwirth is a graduate of Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina (Bachelor of Arts in Music and Religion) and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky (Master of Divinity in Teaching, PhD in Church History and Historical Theology). A former college professor and hospital chaplain, Jill now works as a certified Intentional Interim Minister, having previously served four other congregations in that capacity.
In her personal life, Jill is a morning person, a vegetarian, and a crazy cat lady. Her cats Pattee and Monty are her kids. Her favorite pastime is singing, which she finds very therapeutic. Her ministry passion is helping churches become as healthy as possible. Her passions for social justice include, but are not limited to, homelessness, immigration reform, and LGBTQ+ issues.
Jill is also an outspoken proponent of Progressive Christianity whose theological heroes include John Shelby Spong, Greta Vosper, Michael Dowd, and Brian McLaren. Spiritually, she finds much in common with the work of Joan Chittister and Richard Rohr.
Intentional Interim Minister
We are looking forward to The Rev. Dr. Jill Bierwirth to be joining us soon as our Intentional Interim Minister. A native of South Carolina, The Reverend Doctor Jill Bierwirth is a graduate of Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina (Bachelor of Arts in Music and Religion) and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky (Master of Divinity in Teaching, PhD in Church History and Historical Theology). A former college professor and hospital chaplain, Jill now works as a certified Intentional Interim Minister, having previously served four other congregations in that capacity.
In her personal life, Jill is a morning person, a vegetarian, and a crazy cat lady. Her cats Pattee and Monty are her kids. Her favorite pastime is singing, which she finds very therapeutic. Her ministry passion is helping churches become as healthy as possible. Her passions for social justice include, but are not limited to, homelessness, immigration reform, and LGBTQ+ issues.
Jill is also an outspoken proponent of Progressive Christianity whose theological heroes include John Shelby Spong, Greta Vosper, Michael Dowd, and Brian McLaren. Spiritually, she finds much in common with the work of Joan Chittister and Richard Rohr.
Nikki Ketchum
Church Business Manager
Nikki joined the staff at First Congregational in 2017 with over 25 years administration experience. Nikki is responsible for all Facilities, Finance, Church Communications, Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable along with Human Resources for the church. She assists Church Council, Teams, volunteers and staff with organizing events, outreach, social media. During the pandemic, Nikki brought our technology up to date to ensure that members were still able to attend worship even if from their living rooms weekly. Growing up in Northern Wisconsin, Dubuque was always part of her life as her father and mother were raised here. Nikki is married to her husband Clay and has two daughters.
Church Business Manager
Nikki joined the staff at First Congregational in 2017 with over 25 years administration experience. Nikki is responsible for all Facilities, Finance, Church Communications, Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable along with Human Resources for the church. She assists Church Council, Teams, volunteers and staff with organizing events, outreach, social media. During the pandemic, Nikki brought our technology up to date to ensure that members were still able to attend worship even if from their living rooms weekly. Growing up in Northern Wisconsin, Dubuque was always part of her life as her father and mother were raised here. Nikki is married to her husband Clay and has two daughters.
Bella Douglas
Director of Music Ministries
Bella joined First Congregational Church in the Spring of 2025. Bella holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Loras College and has experience in working with choirs of all ages! Bella not only plans our music but also conducts both Chancel Choir and Bell Choirs.
Director of Music Ministries
Bella joined First Congregational Church in the Spring of 2025. Bella holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Loras College and has experience in working with choirs of all ages! Bella not only plans our music but also conducts both Chancel Choir and Bell Choirs.
Joanne Wright
Organist and Accompanist
Joanne joined our staff in in 2018 as our Organist and Accompanist. Joanne received her Bachelor of Music from Eastman School of Music and her Masters of Fine Arts from University of Minnesota, majoring in organ and taken doctoral course work at Northwestern. She has over 40 years of experience variously as Director of Music, Choir Director and Organist in churches around the country and here in the Tri-State area and enjoys very much enjoys working with the wonderful people here.
Organist and Accompanist
Joanne joined our staff in in 2018 as our Organist and Accompanist. Joanne received her Bachelor of Music from Eastman School of Music and her Masters of Fine Arts from University of Minnesota, majoring in organ and taken doctoral course work at Northwestern. She has over 40 years of experience variously as Director of Music, Choir Director and Organist in churches around the country and here in the Tri-State area and enjoys very much enjoys working with the wonderful people here.
Duane Vetter
Technical Director of Audio/Visual Production
Duane as our Technical Director of Audio/Visual Production! He is currently attending Loras College majoring in Creative Media and minoring in History. He has had the opportunity to intern at Radio Stations in Iowa as well as on the production team for Loras College. Duane is originally from Audubon, IA
Technical Director of Audio/Visual Production
Duane as our Technical Director of Audio/Visual Production! He is currently attending Loras College majoring in Creative Media and minoring in History. He has had the opportunity to intern at Radio Stations in Iowa as well as on the production team for Loras College. Duane is originally from Audubon, IA
